This book contains the following stories:
The Little Match Girl
On a cold New Year's Eve, a poor girl tries to sell matches in the street. She is already shivering from cold and early hypothermia. Still she is afraid to go home because her father will beat her for not selling any matches. She shelters in a nook and sits down. The girl lights the matches to warm herself. In their glow, she sees several lovely visions including a Christmas tree and a holiday feast. The girl looks skyward and sees a shooting star; she then remembers her dead grandmother saying that such a falling star means someone is dying and is going to Heaven. As she lights the next match, she sees a vision of her grandmother, the only person to have treated her with love and kindness. She strikes one match after another to keep the vision of her grandmother alive for as long as she can. Running out of matches, the child dies and her grandmother carries her soul to Heaven. The next morning, passers-by find the child dead in the nook and feel pity for her.
"The Wild Swans" is an enchanting fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen. The story follows the journey of a young princess who must undergo immense trials to rescue her brothers from a curse. Here is a summary of the plot:
Once upon a time, a widowed king marries a wicked sorceress who transforms his eleven sons into swans and sends them far away. The king's daughter, Eliza, discovers her brothers' fate and decides to save them. To break the curse, she must weave eleven shirts out of nettles and cannot speak a word or laugh for seven years.
Eliza embarks on a perilous journey, guided by a mysterious old woman who gives her the ability to gather nettles without getting hurt. She finds refuge in a royal castle where the king, charmed by her silence and beauty, marries her. Despite her silent suffering, Eliza remains dedicated to her task.
During her quest, she faces numerous challenges, including accusations of witchcraft and the temptations of a handsome king. Throughout her journey, Eliza remains steadfast, silent, and focused on her mission.
As the seven years draw to a close, Eliza's brothers, now swans, find her and lead her to a church. There, she weaves the final shirt, but the wicked queen, her stepmother, discovers her and attempts to stop her. With the shirts completed, Eliza places them on her brothers, breaking the curse and turning them back into humans.
In the end, Eliza's brothers are restored, and she is finally able to speak. The tale concludes with a joyous reunion, emphasizing the power of love, determination, and sacrifice.
"The Wild Swans" is a tale of resilience, family bonds, and the triumph of good over evil.
